Ivy has been with The Dollhouse Academy for 18 years. She is their star, but she is finally reaching her breaking point. Ramona and her bff Grace are brand new to the Dollhouse and Ivy is their hero. When Grace starts to get threatening messages, and Grace starts a skyrocket to fame, the friendships breaks. It doesn’t mean they aren’t still concerned for each other and what is happening to them.

Dangggggg. This book was a little bit crazy…ok a lot a bit crazy! It’s very hard to give a review without spoiling anything, but dang this book is a ride! I could not stop reading to find out what was actually happening at the dollhouse and what would happen with our three main girls. I could picture every step of this book which is a not my normal reading experience! If you want some crazy, read this one!

Thank you to @flatiron_books for my gifted copy of this book!

I was a huge fan of Oona Out of Order, so I was really excited to read this book. I enjoyed it, but not quite as much as Oona. It reads a bit YA to me, which is not necessarily a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. The concept of the story was intriguing, though at times I felt the pace could be a little tighter. All that aside, I think this will be a book that a wide audience will enjoy. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oona Out of Order is one of my favorite books ever, so I was so excited to get approved for an ARC of Montimore's latest work.

Ivy Gordon is the most famous cast member at The Dollhouse Academy. She starts to journal her life and record the secrets of mega secretive, ultra-elitist talent school. Ramona and Grace have been best friends since elementary school. They get the unbelievable opportunity to attend The Dollhouse Academy in hopes of fulfilling their dreams of being actresses, but once the doors close, more shocking things start to happen.

This book was such a unique exploration into the lives of the ultra famous and the psychological toll it takes as well as the celebrity obsession. This was an incredibly compelling premise, but it didn't live up to my (very high) expectations. The first half of this novel was very intriguing, but it fell flat in the second half. With the elements of the plot, I thought the Grace or Ivy plot lines were going to take an ever darker turn. I found the ending very weak. We're all agreeing The Dollhouse Academy and had so much power to get people to stay, but they folded so easily at the end? It just didn't feel like the story connected with how it was built up.

Thank you so much Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy!!

Huge thank you to Flatiron Books for the ARC!

I have read and enjoyed both of Margarita Montimore's previous novels and have been anticipating this release for a long time! Her books are always so unique and quirky, and this one was no exception!

Overall, I thought this was a great story on a surface level but also felt like there were so many important themes on a deeper level. It made me think deeply about our obsession with celebrity culture and the way that they are both idolized and vilified by the public.

Since Montimore's book are usually so 'out of the box', I had hoped for the secrets of TDA to be even MORE insane and crazy, but that is probably a personal issue, LOL. I guess what was happening was truly INSANE. I just wanted a tiny bit more from the story!

I thought the ending was great and wouldn't change anything about that!

THE DOLLHOUSE ACADEMY is my third book by Margarita Montimore and I admire the breadth of her variety of story-telling. This is a cautionary tale about chasing dreams of fame and fortune at all costs. The story is told in two timelines in the 80s and 90s and follows two young women who decide to enroll in the Dollhouse Academy, a boarding school that every aspiring actress hopes to attend to boost their career. There are many secrets and the women see firsthand the nefarious underbelly of chasing their dreams. The story explores the exploitation of young talent, female friendships, and jealousy in an interesting way.

READ THIS IF YOU:
-Have ever realized your dream isn’t all you thought it would be
-Can’t resist an expose of the lifestyles of the rich & famous
-Have ever been green with envy

Many thanks to Flatiron and NetGalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

PUB DATE: February 11, 2025

"The Dollhouse Academy" starts with a compelling premise: it delves into the dark side of fame through the experiences of two young performers selected for a prestigious training program. The first half of the book offers an intriguing glimpse into an entertainment powerhouse reminiscent of Disney or Nickelodeon, capturing the allure and constraints of such institutions. However, the second half didn't live up to the initial promise for me. The villains felt overly exaggerated, and the plot stretched believability, resulting in characters who became increasingly unlikable. While it's a decent quick read, "The Dollhouse Academy" was less gripping than anticipated.

The Dollhouse Academy is a compound training the biggest stars in TV, movies, and music. We learn about the crazy practices employed here via the diary of Ivy, its biggest star, and Ramona, a new recruit. I was immediately sucked into this story, and I read most of the book in one sitting. I was super excited to find out the truth about what was happening, and I expected a shocking twist…but honestly, the ending fell a bit flat for me. It was still a wild ride that, while dark at times, was a fun read. I will continue to read new material from this author (if you haven’t read Oona Out of Order, you must!!!). Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Holy Cannoli that was a non-stop trip on the way to Crazy Town. The price that people who want to/choose to be famous is not pretty nor very glamorous. It looks that way from the outside, but it is all encompassing and I can't even begin to imagine living under that pressure. There's always someone there to knock you off your pedestal. Always someone bigger and brighter, younger and more talented, prettier and more driven. This story gave a behind the scenes look at exactly tbe lengths people both the talent and the people pulling the strings) will go to in order to preserve their lifestyles and remain in the spotlight. Let's just say "Project Understudy" was some dark stuff and if that's what you have to do to remain viable, I'll very happily take my smaller, less complicated life.

I enjoyed Margarita Montimore’s books Oona Out of Order and Acts of Violet so I was looking forward to reading The Dollhouse Academy.
However I feel that life in the Dollhouse Academy is not quite as interesting as I was hoping. Maybe because I have no empathy with Ramona, Grace or Ivy and I couldn’t get invested in their time at the Academy or their lives generally.
I made it halfway through because I really thought something would grab me and draw me in but alas I didn’t feel the grab or the draw and put it down.
I will be buying the book for the library and am sure it will be well read.

Imagine that the old Hollywood studio system was still around, and actors who make a name for themselves in this type of system are so extremely precious that the studio will go to extreme lengths to ensure their investment will be secure.

Ramona and Grace, two friends in their early 20s, have been invited to the studio’s talent development campus. While Ramona, the main character, struggles, Grace becomes anointed as an up and comer and lands better acting gigs. Through diary entries, the reader also learns about Ivy, a successful actress in the system for almost 20 years.

PROS:
*Unique concept
*Appreciated the representation of different families
*The science fiction element was thought-provoking (almost had a John Marrs feel).

CONS:
*As a more character-driven reader, I was disappointed the characters didn’t have more depth. They also felt interchangeable.
*The romance at the end didn’t feel earned.

NEUTRALS:
*Genre mash-up: If you like several genres in one novel (science fiction, contemporary fiction, notably), this one could be a hit for you.

3.5 Rounded Up

The Dollhouse Academy was gripping and interesting on a variety of levels. Beginning the book, I anticipated giving it a higher rating, but felt that, especially as the story progressed, I wanted more description and detail. This may be personal preference, but I would have loved the pacing and building that happened when Grace and Ramona started at the dollhouse to have continued further into the story. I also was left feeling unsatisfied with the romantic subplots and would have loved a more indepth wrap up.

Overall, this was a fun read and highlighted some of the darker sides of fame–even if just the stress and isolation on top of the everything else.

Thank you to Flatiron Books, Margarita Montimore, and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions shared are entirely my own.

DNF at 17%. Nothing really annoyed me or bothered me about this book, but I was quite bored.

This is a story about two young women who get a chance at stardom via the Dollhouse Academy. They will be trained and developed to be stars, but they will basically be owned by this company. You can tell some real weird shit is gonna do down.

That weirdness could be of interest to me, but I was not feeling compelled to keep reading *at all* at 17% in. I didn’t really care about Ramona, which made it hard to be invested. But if the synopsis sounds interesting, give it a go.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This is the story of Ivy Gordon and Ramona&Grace. Ivy is the most famous actress to have ever come out of the Dollhouse Academy. She's glamorous and rich and famous. But there's more going on. She's also trapped and sad and unable to get out.

Ramona and Grace are best friends. They have dreamt of going to The Dollhouse Academy for as long as they can remember. But once they make it in, things don't go as planned. Friendships fracture, things seem off, there are weird rumors, and even weirder things happening.

The story goes back and forth between Ivy's journal and Ramona until they all intertwine of course. The atmospheric writing coupled with the mysterious plot in this dark academia novel keeps you deeply engaged until the very end.

with gratitude NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Dollhouse Academy is an atmospheric, chilling tale that grips you from its first diary entry to its explosive finale. With a unique blend of psychological suspense and dark academia, this novel unravels the sinister underbelly of a seemingly idyllic institution while delving into themes of ambition, envy, and survival.

Ivy Gordon is a hauntingly complex protagonist. Her secret diary entries reveal a life of glitz and glamour turned nightmare. The juxtaposition of Ivy’s unraveling truth with the starry-eyed dreams of newcomers Ramona Halloway and Grace Ludlow creates a dynamic and engaging narrative. The story explores the intoxicating allure of fame and the devastating price it demands through alternating perspectives.

The mysterious medical exams and anonymous threats add dread and urgency, keeping the reader on edge. The tension between Ramona and Grace also feels authentic, capturing the complexities of friendship, competition, and self-worth in an unforgiving environment.

This is an unforgettable read, blending razor-sharp prose with an escalating sense of menace. It’s a story that lingers, much like Ivy’s haunting revelations, and it will leave readers reevaluating the cost of their own ambitions. Highly recommended for fans of dark academia, psychological thrillers, and character-driven mysteries.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you like mystery, drama, and a storyline that will keep your attention, this one is for you. I was so engrossed with the characters and the mystery surrounding the infamous Dollhouse Academy. If I had to stop reading for whatever reason, I was counting the minutes until I could continue again! Once I finished, it left me wanting more. I’m hoping for a sequel!

#NetGalley

I have officially found a new favourite authour in Margarita Montimore!

When I saw the cover of this novel I was intrigued but after the synopsis, I assumed this was yet another dark academia and blew it off. I’m so glad I looked at the authour and rethought that idea because I’ve never been so wrong. After realizing this was the same authour from Oona Out of Order, I decided to give this novel a shot and I’m so glad I did because it’s become one of my favourite books I’ve read all year.

If you’ve ever heard of the conspiracy theory that Avril Lavigne died and was replaced by a copy, this is practically the premise of this absolutely bonkers book. In a world where this company rules over the lives of its stars from diets, projects, “supplements”, they also rule over their very existence. Our main characters think they’re getting the shot of a lifetime into stardom and they’re not necessarily wrong.

I’m absolutely enthralled by the entire premise of this book but what I am enamored by is Montimore’s delivery. Instead of serving us with a unique plot alone, we are also treated with spectacular writing and a combination of genres that makes this book thrilling and impossible to put down. It’s always impressive when an authour can write in any genre and Montimore has the chops to do exactly that.

This is one of the shelves and I will absolutely be purchasing this to reread when it officially comes out but I am so excited I got this ARC. If you have the privilege to read it early like I did, take it, because this is gonna be a hit when it comes out next year.

“The Dollhouse Academy” by Margarita Montimore is an entertaining and engaging novel about what it was like behind the scenes in the movie studio system of old Hollywood for young actors. The story is about three women, two who are young would be actresses who are willing to do whatever they are asked to insure moving their careers forward. And, a superstar actress who is in the system and is becoming aware of the nefarious actions of the studio and the price she is paying for her fame. The book is filled with intrigue, believable characters, and will keep you glued to each chapter as these women navigate the system in pursuit of superstardom. I recommend to all who are interested in a good thriller and especially those who enjoy reading about the entertainment industry.

Thank you Netgalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received this as an ARC from Flatiron Books and NetGalley. The Dollhouse Academy is a very suspenseful tale of two young women who live the “dream” of making it in show business and learn that what is a dream for some is a nightmare for others. The villain is compellingly written, and the story is fast-paced and gripping. Very well done!

Quick synopsis: Two best friends and aspiring actresses join the dollhouse academy, where stars are made and dark secrets are kept.

Review: This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I was so excited to delve into a world of dark academia and secrets; where promises of stardom come with a price. The story revolves around Ramona and Grace; lifelong best friends who idolize an actress named Ivy who lives and works at the dollhouse academy. When they are extended a personal invitation on a 6 month probationary period to prove themselves star quality; the girls quickly learn how much pressure is really on them. They get closer to Ivy and learn secrets of the dollhouse academy they cannot believe is true and must make tough and potentially dangerous decisions for their future. I loved this world of Dahlen, I only wish there was more lore of of the dark secrets and corners and way it came to be; more backstory if you will. There were parts that kind of dragged and were boring to push through but all in all I really enjoyed this story. It was new and exciting and I definitely recommend it for fans of dark academia.

This was a thrilling read. The Dollhouse Academy is where aspiring performers go and Ivy is telling the truth about what really goes on there and it is not good. Ramona and Grace are just starting there and well things are not going as they hoped. This book really shows what it takes to be a performer and to be successful no matter the cost. I found this book very entertaining and a must read if you like celebrities or the entertainment business.